SBY Teen Day Party Review

Hey New World,

How’s everyone?

Happy 4th of July!

I am amazed at how well this Saturday posting is working for me. I am able to come up with a topic and freely write on it during the week. I totally love this.

So, you may ask, any events on the calendar?

Starting in August, I will be working with stylist Khalilah Neals, on building our ports. I know this will be extremely cool move for both of us. I believe the prior post will give a better description on what my feelings are on collabing. I just put in for my Press Pass for Latin Fashion Week, for both New York and Washington D.C. I am hoping this goes through. Next month, in July, I will be registering for the Komen Race for the Cure, in NYC. I believe this will be coinciding with Latin Fashion Week, NYC. I am not sure if I want to do DC Fashion Week, this year. I have done DC Fashion Week, before, and I heard that the creator of DC Fashion Week, Mr. Ean Williams, has a line out, called “Magnum”. I believe it is a men’s underwear line. Not totally sure, but none the less, should be interesting line. So, the debate still rages on about that.

The Sasha Bruce Teen Day Party.

So, okay, I want to start off with a little background into the organization. The Sasha Bruce Youthwork Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education and Risk Reduction (P.O.W.E.R.) Program launched an HIV testing social media campaign, over the weekend (#Never2Early). The founder of the organization, Debra Shore, started the organization in 1974 to help out runaway and homeless teens. Two years later, the organization gained the recognition of Evangeline Bruce, Ambassador David Bruce wife, following the tragic death of their daughter, Sasha. Mrs. Bruce donated the money to the organization in her daughter’s memory.

The party was held at LIV Nightclub, on 11^th and U Streets’ in NW. I have passed by this club, several times, and never realized it was a club. The spot actually reminds me of when I used to club, at the spots I used to frequent. There were several media outlets, in attendance, including the Washington Informer and WPGC radio. I believe the host, for the event, was Mr. Redz from WPGC. Now, I’m not even going to front. It’s been a while since I listened to the radio. The last host I remember vividly was Donnie Simpson and EZ Street.

DJ Fat Cat, was vicious with mixing. Then, a dance crew came in and gave up some vicious moves. One guy, popped his shoulder out of wack, on beat. I thought it was very different, and cool, at the same time.

Now, if you follow me on my Facebook page, you will hear me demean today’s teens. Mainly because of the post I have seen online, or what I have seen, on the Metro in DC. I’m not even gonna front on half of the situations I have witnessed. I am not trying to make it sound freakin’ horrible, but there are some really ignorant situations I have seen, just for attention. This event was a perfect opportunity for teens to be viewed in a more responsible light. So, with that being said, I applaud the teens that showed up to show that they care about their lives. It was a beautiful event with a decent turn out.

TTYL!

Did I Tell You How Much I Love Old Navy?!

Hello New World,

So, the updates on the latest events.

June 20th- Sasha Bruce Youthwork P.O.W.E.R. Program Launches HIV Testing Social Media Campaign for Teens — #Never2Early

(Teen Day Party)

“Sasha Bruce Youthwork Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education and Risk Reduction (P.O.W.E.R.) Program launches an HIV testing social media campaign — #Never2Early — that is specifically targeted to sexually active youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who have never been tested for HIV before.”-Alee of DynamicPR

I will definitely be in attendance. This party will be vicious! Local station WKYS 93.9, will be there. There will be free food and drinks. Also, HIV testing will be available to all the teens. I love this event, mainly because it is showing teens how to take the initiative on their own health.

As far as shoots go, I have a few upcoming ones, that I am trying to narrow down.

On to the subject.

I think I need to start expanding my blog past photography. Although it is what I love, I need to talk about other things, that I love, as well. Starting with fashion. I’m not “big” on wearing the hottest brands, but I stick with what works for me. I am fan of Old Navy. I love everything they have. Although I am not the “flashiest”, I keep my wardrobe very “plain Jane”. Why, you may ask? Trends never last, and tend to repeat seasonal. Who wants to keep buying clothing on that purpose? Also, my hair, in my opinion, is the trendiest piece I have. Kimora Lee Simmons stated that “Never buy too many trendy pieces. Buy the basics and style it with one or two trendy pieces.” Yeah, I read her book, “Fabulousity”. Oh, I do apologize because that statement isn’t word for word, but that was her intent. I use it as my fashion rule book. So, the main store I tend to splurge is Old Navy. They have a unique blend of basic and trend. Almost every piece of clothing I have, has an Old Navy tag on it. My second favorite clothing store is, yup, the thrift store. But Old Navy, really tends to have awesome sales, extremely cute clothing, and friendly staff. I tend to shop the store in Friendship Heights, in DC. Everyone there, is a sweetheart. Also, to my plus size and in betweenie sistas! Old Navy sizing is off. I think the cut is for German woman. I find that their clothing, for me, fits bigger than what the size states. Don’t get me wrong, I love it because it makes me feel like I lost a lot of weight, but that is where you want to shop, ladies!

Well, I won’t keep running my mouth on the joys of Old Navy.

TTYL!

Sasha Bruce Wants You…..To Come Out and Party!

Hello New World,

I know, I normally blog on photography, but I also want to show the world I am not just a one-sided coin. So I want to begin to blog about things that are personal, as well as interesting to me, and to you, as well.

One thing that is very near to me is teen health. Anyone that knows me knows that I am quick to say, “Whatever those kids are talking about, I don’t want to hear it!” Mainly, because of the stream of profanities that comes along with somewhat of a statement.

Well, if you don’t know, DC has a high HIV/AIDS rate. Although it has gone down, in recent years, it is still the highest among the African American community. So what is one way to educate our community? One way is by teaching the young. Well, how do you teach a generation that doesn’t seem to be interested in listening? My favorite way is “PARTY UP!”

WOOT, WOOT!

Yeah, old head partying. LOL!

Jasmine Williams HIV Tester/Counselor Image Courtesy of Sasha Bruce YouthWork Organization.

The Sasha Bruce Youthwork Prevention, Outreach, Wellness, Education and Risk Reduction (P.O.W.E.R.) Program launches an HIV testing social media campaign (#Never2Early), and it is hosting a teen day party, on June 20^th. I was able to catch up with one HIV Tester/Counselor, Jasmine Williams, to chat with her on the program and party.

Me: Tell me about “YouthWork”?

Jasmine: The founder’s name is Debra Shore. Debra started the organization in 1974 to help out runaway and homeless teens. Two years later, the organization gained the recognition of Evangeline Bruce, Ambassador David Bruce wife, following the tragic death of their daughter, Sasha. Mrs. Bruce donated the money to the organization in her daughter’s memory.

Me: What is the P.O.W.E.R. Program?

Jasmine: P.O.W.E.R., which stands for prevention, outreach, wellness, education, and risk reduction, is one of the 16 programs. This program is to educate young people on issues surrounding their sexual health. The primary focus is on HIV-AIDS and teen pregnancy prevention. We (the organization), also, offer other services that include testing, teen counseling, and workshops.

Me: Why did the P.O.W.E.R. program create the #Never2Early Social Media Campaign?

Jasmine: During our HIV testing and counseling sessions, we (the counselors) are finding out that a lot of the young people are engaging in sexual activity, as well as engaged in unsafe risky behaviors but they’ve never been tested. This is very dangerous because, given the nature of STDs and HIV, a lot of times, no symptoms initially and he/she will continue  to have sex with different partners spreading the disease unknowingly to their partners because they’ve never been  tested. So this campaign is to target teens that have never tested before, given their current life activities. We want the teens to incorporate this as a part of their overall healthcare.

Me: What age group does the campaign focus on?

Jasmine: The campaign focuses on ages 13 to 24, as well as the organization. So, we have encountered young people that have told us that they been sexual active as early as 11 years old, so honestly, if it was up to me, I would have the age for consent for sexual services start at 11 or 12, but 13 is the age for our services.

*Side Note-Jasmine just sent me a link on DC minor’s consent. It state, “A minor of any age may consent to health services which he or she requests for the

prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of the following medical situations:

(a) Pregnancy or its lawful termination;

(b) Substance abuse, including drug and alcohol abuse; and

(c) A mental or emotional condition and sexually transmitted disease.”

Minor Consent Link.*

Me: To mark the launch, of the campaign, the program has an event, on June 20^th. Can you tell me more about it?

Jasmine: The program will be hosting a day party for teens between the ages of 14 and 18. This day party is simply an opportunity for young people to  be in a safe environment, so they can enjoy themselves with the company of their peers and food, but to also have important information at their fingertips. It’s not in a setting that  the school mandated. The event is going to be very casual music dancing, and we’ll be able to bring some of the services that we offer, to the teen community like HIV testing.

So, on June 20, 2015, come out to Liv Night Club, located at 2001 11th St. NW, Washington, DC, and check it! It’s from 2 p.m.–6 p.m. It’s going to be free food, music, and testing. I will be there shooting.

TTYL!

It’s the Premiere! Bottom Of Bottom’s Launch Party

Hello New World,

I am back from the Big Apple!

What a time! I could scream it from the roof tops about how I love being in NYC. It is always the best!

Dame Fashion/Vagabond Sophisticent magazine, both, are the creation of Editor In Chief Whitney Bell. It will display fashion from around this country,  from variety of the latest upcoming photographers. Side advertisement, I’m in that hot few! The premiere issue will be available on iTunes on August 17, 2014, and the print will be available for purchase, through Dame’s site, on August 24, 2014. So definitely check it out for the content and ME! HELLO?!

So how was the launch?

Awesome! I will say that I was behind, though. It took me a minute longer to get ready. None the less, though, it was awesome. We got a table, next to the stage. I don’t know about anyone else, but I had fun! Ate a nice meal and partied beside Dru Hill. Anyone that really knows me, knows that I am a huge Sisqo fan! I loved everything he had on, especially his Nike’s! I loved it!

One more side note-Thank you soooooo much to Whitney Bell and her crew for putting the whole party together. Once, again, one of the most awesome moments in my life, having Sisqo singing in my mere direction! Whew! Thank you, ma’am!

Anyway, here is the video! The rest of the videos are located on my FB page.

TTYL!

 

Photographer’s Must See!

Hey New World,

So how was your weekend? Mine was interesting. I know you know that I would be more vocal about my whereabouts, but you know?!

This week, for me, is crunch week!

I have to get myself prepared to travel to New York, next week. My hair and feet need to be done, still waiting on my head piece, and a last minute switch of hotels really makes me trip out! Once again, the launch party, for Dame Magazine, is THIS SUNDAY! I heard there were still tickets left, so if you are willing, come party with us at SOB’s in Lower Manhattan! Jagged Edge and Mario Winans are among the guests to be there. It’s gonna be vicious!

Back to what I was telling you. Oh yeah, Thursday, I had an Instagram message about a pop up show. So, when I heard about it, I said, “Sure”! So, I grabbed my friend, Leah Jones, and we were off and running. The show was

very interesting. There were multiple vintage vendors there. One in particular, Sophisticated Phunk Vintage, had some really cool gear. I liked her operation because of the fact that she was willing to work with photographers. She knew that I didn’t want to buy and keep the clothes. I wanted to “rent” them for a one day shoot. She was willing to work with us, meaning photographers, to rent the clothes for a day. She has an IG (Instagram) account and there are quite a few items she has that I would love to rent for a shoot. One dress, in particular, is very hot for a shoot I have in mind for the fall. Needless to say, I can’t wait! The vendors were wonderful, when you walked in, it felt like a family reunion. There were a ton of deals and great items out to buy. I loved it!

When I got home, the show had given me a renewed inspiration I sorely needed. I sincerely thank Renee Richardson, of Dulce Mina Catering, for giving me the “heads up” on this event.

 

 

TTYL!

11 More Days!

 

Hey New World,

11 more days until the Bottom of Bottoms Launch Party!

I am ultra excited, because I never get a real chance to party in NYC. Yeah, I’m up every month, but never really get a chance to party. I’m always visiting friends, and trying to handle some business. Needless to say, this time, I think will be well deserved!

So, a quick rundown.

The launch party will at SOB’s in Lower Manhattan. It will be so ridiculous! That was meant in an awesome way!

If you go to Eventbrite, there may be tickets left! So if there are any left, come out and have fun with us!

 

TTYL!

 

Upcoming Schedule

Hello New World,
I won’t lie. These past couple of weeks have been extremely busy, for me. I am back in my class and I have an upcoming shoot. So, please forgive me for being spotty with my posting.

So this shoot, that happens on this Sunday, I went another route from my usual
way of planning shoots. This time, I’m in studio and I am planning lighting. This will be portraits. The theme is candy coated, and……………..that is all I can give you. I think that once I shoot these images, you will LOVE THESE!

So ok, back to where I was going. My upcoming schedule. These are some of the events you will catch me.

Photo Shoot
June 8th
WSP

Photo Shoot (tenative)

Dame Fashion/Vagabond Sophisticent Red Carpet Magazine Launch
New York, NY

New York Fashion Week (?)
New York, NY

TTYL!

Happy 1,000 Views and Merry Xmas!

Hello New World,

Ok, it’s a little past 1,000 views.

None the less, I am totally psyched! So I decided to throw a little party! Well, it was just me and a few friends and fam. I wanted to upload the pics, but I accidentally deleted the pics. I know, dumb me!

I wish my subscribers could join us. Maybe, at the next 1,000, I will invite some subscribers. That sounds like a plan!

Merry Christmas,
TTYL, and Thank you!
xoxoxo

Trying’ to Party? Get This App!

Hello New World,

What a glorious day, huh? I know someone out there is saying, “Stop or I’ll barf!”

Ok. So barf, then!

I’m kidding! 🙂

Anyway, in the spirit of what is to come. Yeah, I am talking about the revamp of my blog, and site. I figured that I would talk about this cool app, I learned about. Well, remember when I told you guys about the Worn Magazine Relaunch Party? There was one part I missed. The party required people to buy their tickets from Eventbrite. Here is a bit of info, about Eventbrite:

“Eventbrite is an online service that people everywhere use to create, share, and join any event imaginable. Whether it’s a photography class with a local artist, or a sold-out concert in a city stadium, Eventbrite makes it happen. We enable event creation, promotion and ticket sales. We help people discover events that match their passions. And we let everyone share the events they’re creating or joining, bringing more people together around the world.”

So, this app is so cool, it helps you to get all the hot events, from free to the highest fee. In fact, the latest in the list of events is a couture runway show, in NYC. It is at the Waldorf Astoria. So get the app, and check it out!

TTYL!

Hello Kitty Running for President? She Has My Vote!

Hello New World,

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am sooooooo sick of both Obama and Romney attack ads. It makes me not want to vote for anyone. Well, almost anyone.

I have made a firm decision. I will officially place my vote for my hero. Yes, dear readers. She is running for president. Hello Kitty is running, and she has my vote!

Living Social, in conjunction with Sanrio and Sephora, are asking Americans to join Hello Kitty and Tuxedo Sam for the friendship party. I believe her political stance is beauty. She had Sephora makeup artist, offering free makeovers and giving away Hello Kitty nail art and nail polish. Also, this was a great platform for Sephora. The company is introducing their new Hello Kitty cosmetic line. The new line consists of nail polishes, eye kits, and etc. Sanrio had some very cute products available, for purchase. Some of the products, like tees and Hello Kitty ears, are available for purchase, and the proceeds, will be given to American Red Cross, for the Hurricane Sandy victims.

The party will last until November 6th, from 10 am to 8pm. Yeah, those politicians need those last minute votes! I assume she is no exception. Oh, and before I forget, Hello Kitty is also doing a mixer this Sunday. So, if you are still undecided, like I was, go to the Living Social building. It is located on 918 F Street NW. Definitely check them out!

TTYL!

 

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